INTRODUCTION
Mohair is the wool that is derived from the Angora Goat. Angora goats were introduced to Australia from France in the 1830's. The name Angora was derived from a region in Turkey.

HISTORY
Mohair had been a popular natural material for clothing from the 1030's through to the 1900's when merino wool gained economic dominance. This resulted in mohair production in Australia becoming almost non-existent. The 1970's saw a strong resurgence of interest in Angora goats and today there are over 260 000 pure bred goats in Australia. The Australian Angora Goat has developed as a result of successful interbreeding between the original Australian Angora and animals imported from South Africa and Texas. 

HOW IT IS RAISED
Angora goats are found throughout Australia with the majority of stud animals being found in rural Victoria and New South Wales. The animals are raised in a similar manner to sheep, in paddocks of grass and hills. Angora goats enjoy eating a wide range of pasture and woody weeds. A rainfall of between 250mm and 600mm will suit Angoras.

HOW IT IS HARVESTED
Angoras are mechanically shorn twice per year and produce a fibre with a stable length between 120 and 150mm.

USES FOR THE PRODUCT
Mohair, the fibre produced by Angora goats is long, strong and lustrous. The diameter of mohair strands is 23 to over 34 microns depending on age., The average fleece weight of an adult goat is 3.5kg per annum.

A fully grown Angora goat	A baby Angora goat	Angora goat fleece

EXPORTS
The product is mainly exported to England where it is processed for use in the clothing and furniture industries. Some mohair is used in the girth of horse saddles. The production of mohair in 1998 - 1999 was some 30 000kg and the highest prices in Australia were achieved in this year at $27.50 per kilogram.

CONCLUSION
The future of the mohair industry in Australia is looking very bright. Prices are rising and the commercial viability of this product seem very good. Goats are fetching prices that are higher than their sheep cousins. Mohair is a natural fibre that is recognised throughout the world as one with very little competition for the manufacture of fine garments. 

DID YOU KNOW??
Mohair fibre is smooth.

Mohair resists shrinking.	Weight for weight mohair is warmer than wool.
Mohair is virtually fireproof.	Mohair garments retain their shape.